China Blocks SoftBank's $5.4 Billion Takeover of ABB's Robotics Division: Report

China blocks SoftBank’s $5.4 billion takeover of ABB’s robotics division, FT reports

China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion takeover of ABB's robotics division: Report

China has informed Japanese investor SoftBank that it will block the $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics segment. This decision is driven by concerns about data transfer overseas for artificial intelligence training. SoftBank had hoped for approval after reaching an agreement last October. ABB's robotics business significantly relies on the Chinese market, contributing about 30% of its total operations.

China Blocks SoftBank’s Acquisition of ABB Industrial Robot Unit

China has blocked SoftBank Group Corp.’s deal to acquire ABB Ltd.’s robots unit, the Financial Times reported, citing unidentified people.

China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion bid for ABB's robotics unit

SoftBank had signed the ABB robotics deal on October 8, 2025, valuing the unit at $5.375 billion. Without China's approval, it cannot get 7,000 engineers and about 500,000 installed robots, and ABB is left holding a division it wants to exit.

China Blocks SoftBank Acquisition of ABB Robot Unit, FT Says

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